How to Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan

A reflected ceiling plan (RCP) is a drawing that shows which shows the items are located on the ceiling of a room or space. It is referred to as a reflected ceiling plan since it is drawn to display a view of the ceiling as if it was reflected onto a mirror on the floor.

Steps

  1. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 1
    1
    Pretend that you are hovering a couple of feet above the ceiling.[1]
  2. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 2
    2
    Imagine that the ceiling below you is transparent (see-through).
  3. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 3
    3
    Visualize the ceiling over the floor below.
  4. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 4
    4
    Read a reflected ceiling plan using this concept.
  5. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 5
    5
    Notice how the reflected ceiling plan relates to the floor plan.[2]
  6. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 6
    6
    Observe the relationship of light fixtures to the furniture below.
    • In some cases, the items below are not shown, in order to keep the RCP
      from becoming too confusing.
    • When furniture, fixtures or the millwork below are shown,they are shown dotted.
  7. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 7
    7
    Understand the information. An RCP should contain the following:[3]
    • The construction of the ceiling (gypsum board., acoustical tile, etc)
    • A specification and/or finish (paint, stucco, etc.) of the ceiling material
    • The height of the ceiling above the finished floor (A.F.F.)
    • Dimensions
    • A legend explaining the symbols on the RCP
    • An explanation of any ceiling features such as bulkheads, soffits,
      raised or vaulted areas, trim or decorative applications
    • Section symbols to further explain the construction of any ceiling features
  8. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 8
    8
    Look for special ceiling features on the RCP, such as:[4]
    • Speakers from a stereo or other communication device
    • Emergency lighting, exit signs
    • Security cameras or domes
    • Sprinkler heads
    • Smoke or fire alarm devices
    • Return air grilles and supply air diffusers for the Heating,
      Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
    • Exhaust fans
    • Seismic information and/ or details
    • Expansion joint information and/ or details
  9. Image titled Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan Step 9
    9
    Refer to the engineers electrical drawings for:[5]
    • Electrical wiring specifications
    • Circuitry layout
    • Connections to the electrical panel
    • Location of switches

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Is a reflected ceiling plan the same thing as an electrical lighting layout on engineering construction drawings when there is an electrical lighting layout plan included?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. The reflected ceiling plan focuses on the everything on the ceiling. The electrical layout plan is a part of the RCP. The electrical construction drawings must be referred to in order to determine the electrical wiring of the ceiling lights and sprinklers.
  • Question
    What does B.O.S. Mean?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    "Back of store." Generally, it is BOH and FOH, which mean "back of house" and "front of house."
  • Question
    How would I know if a ceiling needs to be painted in a drawing?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    There will be tags with letters and numbers that correspond with a finish plan.
  • Question
    Will the cornice show in the ceiling plan?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Check the elevation pages, or the pages numbered with an "E" before the number, on the set of blueprints for this.
  • Question
    What is the importance of drafting a ceiling plan?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    An RCP is important in order to understand the location and quality of the elements that comprise such an architectural ceiling, such as lights, speakers, A/C and other such things.
  • Question
    What is a B.O. ceiling?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    B.O. in plans frequently indicates "bottom of."
  • Question
    How do I make a ceiling plan with slanted ceilings?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Draw a slope arrow while sketching or editing the ceiling boundary. Specify a value for the Offset from Base property for parallel ceiling sketch lines. Specify values for the Defines Slope and Slope properties for a single ceiling sketch line.
  • Question
    What does the abbreviation HUC mean as a level reading?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Hydrologic Unit Code. Called 6th Level or Watershed 6th Level. HUC is the acronym for Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC). Every hydrologic unit is identified by a unique HUC consisting of 2 to 12 digits based on the levels of classification in the hydrologic unit system.

Things You'll Need

  • A drawing of a reflected ceiling plan and the floor plan that goes with it.

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.edrawsoft.com/reflectedceiling-design-guide.php
  2. ↑ https://www.edrawsoft.com/reflectedceiling-design-guide.php
  3. ↑ https://www.northernarchitecture.us/building-codes/reflected-ceiling-plan.html
  4. ↑ https://www.northernarchitecture.us/building-codes/reflected-ceiling-plan.html
  5. ↑ https://cdn-web.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/PR-Elec-Req.pdf

About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 314,465 times.
12 votes - 83%
Co-authors: 13
Updated: April 24, 2020
Views: 314,465
Categories: House Designs and Plans | Ceilings
Article SummaryX

The easiest way to read a reflected ceiling plan (RCP) is to imagine you are hovering just below the ceiling depicted in the RCP. Then, look for the different ceiling fixtures that may be present in the RCP such as speakers, emergency lighting, security cameras, or sprinkler heads. You should also notice the engineers drawings which will signify electrical wiring among other things. If you’re creating your own RCP, scroll down to learn what information you should include in your plan.

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